Rally Against State School Aid Cuts in Niagara-Wheatfield

SANBORN, NY -- A demonstration was held outside Niagara-Wheatfield High School to protest severe underfunding in the school district Wednesday afternoon.

Organizers say state budget cuts have led to the loss of sports and other extracurricular activities, AP courses, music programs bussing, and over fifty teachers since 2010. It's estimated that the district will be underfunded by $17 million for four years by the end of the 2013-2014 school year.

Parents and faculty rallied against the cuts which, they say, affect the quality of education students receive.

"The reason that we're here is really about kids," Patrick Creamer, a teacher who organized the event, said. "The people that are here feel passionately that the kids are being shortchanged."

Creamer said he and other protesters want more for their students.

"We think that schools should be a well-rounded, nurturing environment for all of our students," he said. "Where they can get the help that they need -- the help that they deserve -- along with the enrichment opportunities that are going to make them into well-rounded people, today and in the future."

Creamer said he hopes the rally draws attention to the issue, and leads to improvements, like reduced class size and more activities for students.